Supported radiation protective garment

Abstract

A supported radiation protective garment is presented that can be worn by a medical provider under a standard surgical gown during procedures that involve the use of radiation. When used by the provider, the protective garment is lifted by vertical support members which can be extended downward and retracted upward. Rolling or sliding means at the lower end of the vertical support members allow the provider to move unhindered while wearing the radiation protective garment. The provider has access to a control mechanism that allows the shifting between retracted and extended positions of the vertical support members without breaking sterility. An alternative embodiment presents an upper apron portion of the protective garment, which can be manually connected by an assistant to a lower rolling base portion. The invention allows the provider to wear a heavy protective garment, offering significantly better radiation protection than standard ‘lead aprons’, while not being burdened by the weight of the garment. Further, the invention allows to maintain sterility at all times, and gives two or more providers, each wearing this protective garment, the option to work and move in close spatial proximity to each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a non provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 282,788, filed Aug. 12, 2015.[0002]Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 282,788, filed Aug. 12, 2015, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0003]Not applicableREFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”[0004]Not applicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]1. Field of the Invention[0006]The present invention relates, in general, to radiation shields, and, in particular, to radiation protective garments that are worn by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers during medical or surgical procedures that involve the use of radiation.[0007]2. General Background of the Invention[0008]Some invasive medical or surgical procedures require the provider to not only wear sterile gowns and gloves, but also protective gowns or aprons to shield the provider fro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a protective coat or apron for medical professionals that offers better radiation protection than commercially available products. Since weight is not a significant concern, the material can be made thicker, allowing for more effective protection. Additionally, an arm extension can be used without causing weight-related concerns.

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of this invention is that it requires existing catheterization laboratories, C-arms, and other X-ray equipment to be retrofitted.

Similar to the above Heesch patent, this system requires extensive retrofitting of existing X-ray suites, and the operator's radius of operation is limited by the extension of the rail system.

Further, the majority of invasive procedures involving X-ray exposure require two operators, usually standing side-by-side, which would be difficult to achieve with Rees' proposed ceiling mounted rail system.

The problem with the Beck invention is that it does not allow the operator to maintain sterility, owing to the spatial proximity of the bulky and non-sterile suspension apparatus to the protective apron and the operator's body.

Further, the operators walking and moving space within the rolling apparatus is quite limited.

Tripping and falling accidents seem likely, and may be severe.

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